The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz Judy Garland Terry 1939

The Wizard of Oz Lahr Garland Bolger Haley 1939

The Wizard of Oz Judy Garland 1939

Buddy Ebsen Tin Man

File:Victor Fleming 01.jpg

Victor Fleming 01

Orchestral recording for The Wizard of Oz (1939)

The Wizard of Oz is a landmark American musical film released in 1939, directed primarily by Victor Fleming. It is based on L. Frank Baum's 1900 children's book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The film stars Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale, alongside Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, and Bert Lahr portraying the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, respectively. The Wizard of Oz is notable for its use of Technicolor, fantasy storytelling, unique characters, and memorable music, particularly "Over the Rainbow", which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. The film was an immense critical and commercial success, and it remains an iconic piece of Hollywood history.

Plot

The story follows Dorothy Gale, a young girl living on a Kansas farm with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, who is swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. To return home, she must travel to the Emerald City to ask the Wizard of Oz for help. Along the way, she meets the Scarecrow, who desires a brain; the Tin Man, who wishes for a heart; and the Cowardly Lion, who seeks courage. Together, they face various challenges, including the Wicked Witch of the West, in their quest to meet the Wizard, who they believe can grant their wishes.

Production

The production of The Wizard of Oz was notable for its extensive use of Technicolor, which was a relatively new technology at the time. The film's iconic opening sequence in Kansas was shot in sepia-toned black and white, transitioning to vibrant color when Dorothy arrives in Oz, a technique that added to the film's magical appeal. The production faced several challenges, including changes in directors and cast, as well as the technical difficulties of using Technicolor and special effects to create the film's fantastical elements.

Reception

Upon its release, The Wizard of Oz received widespread acclaim for its innovative use of Technicolor, special effects, and its musical score. Although it was not a box office success initially, it became profitable after subsequent re-releases. The film has since been recognized as one of the greatest films in American cinema, receiving several Academy Award nominations and winning two, including Best Original Song for "Over the Rainbow". It was also one of the first 25 films to be inducted into the National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Legacy

The Wizard of Oz has had a profound impact on popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations, sequels, and reinterpretations across various media, including television, literature, and theatre. The film is celebrated for its influence on the fantasy genre and its role in American cinema history. It is frequently broadcast on television and has a dedicated fan base. The phrases "We're not in Kansas anymore" and "There's no place like home" have become part of the American lexicon.

See also

• L. Frank Baum
• Musical film
• Technicolor
• Academy Awards